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Vicodin Abuse Signs

Vicodin Abuse Signs

Vicodin is a type of medication which is prescribed for the purpose of alleviating pain. It is composed of hydrocodone and acetaminophen. Acetaminophen is also referred to as Tylenol. Hydrocodone is codeine’s synthetic version. Vicodin abuse is very common and is now a concern by anti drug abuse campaigners. It must be noted that Vicodin addiction is not voluntary as is the case with addiction with many other narcotics. This medication is taken legitimately to treat particular medical conditions like injury, surgery or chronic pain.

As a person takes vicodin for a legitimate reason such as sickness, the body becomes used to the mode of action and effect in the body. This will force the patient to take increasing quantities of the medication. The patient will then be forced to take higher doses than usual in order to get relief from the pain. This is the beginning of Vicodin dependence and addiction. It is addiction because the patient will not be able to take the medication only when required but when the urge to do so strikes. The signs of dependence on Vicodins include:

Getting relief from pain if only unusually higher dosages of Vicodin are taken

Involuntary taking of the medication because of factors beyond your control

Withdrawal symptoms when you do not take the medication.

The withdrawal symptoms include:

insomnia

vomiting

goose bumps

watery eyes

loss of appetite

panic

chills

sweating

nausea

irritability

runny nose

involuntary leg movements

cold flashes

diarrhea

bone pain

restlessness

muscle pain

The Causes Of Vicodin Dependency

An individual may become dependent and addicted to vicodin after taking it for two weeks. Vicodin affects the mind of the user. It will affect the brain of the user and interfere with its normal functioning; it will do this by stopping the brain from producing endorphins. With time the brain will become used to the effects and the patient will not be able to live normally without taking the drug. Use of vicodin to these persons who are now addicted or dependent on it want it to produce the good effects which are normally brought about by endorphins.

Signs of vicodin abuse

Vicodin is a narcotic and it will bring the following symptoms to the user.

Sense of relaxation

Inability to concentrate

Anxiety

Drowsiness

Constricted pupils

Euphoria

Lethargy

Signs and complications of long term use and abuse of vicodin

Long term use and abuse of vicodin has serious side effects some of which include:

Dizziness

Nausea

Trouble urinating

Vomiting

Stomach pain

Lightheadedness

Constipation

Vicodin may have serious effects on the abdomen. This condition may be worse if you have recently undergone surgery because you may not be able to cough properly.

Treatment for vicodin abuse

Persons who have become addicted to vicodin can be treated through detox which will remove the toxins and chemicals from the blood stream of the user. Detox may however not get rid of all the toxins but it will help the addicted person counter the effects of addiction and withdrawal.